Dozens of catalytic converters stolen from UPS, Postal Service facilities, police say
Police in Hooksett and Manchester are investigating reports of dozens of stolen catalytic converters from trucks at a postal service facility and a UPS location.
Manchester police said the UPS on Brown Avenue reported that 27 catalytic converters were stolen from their trucks. It's believed the thefts took place over the weekend but were discovered Monday.
Hooksett police were called by the Postal Service on Monday morning after catalytic converters were removed from postal trucks on Hooksett Road. It's unclear how many catalytic converters were taken at that location.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, thieves are ripping catalytic converters from vehicles at an increasing rate across the country. Officials said it can cost upwards of several thousands of dollars to repair the damage.
Alain Ata, owner of Ataboys Auto, said some of his customers have been victims.
"His insurance totaled the car because they didn't want to pay for it," Ata said. "It's very expensive, and it's hard enough to put food on the table now."
Ata said he sells shields that can be placed underneath the car to protect it. He also recommends parking in a garage or somewhere with cameras.
It's not known if the thefts in Manchester and Hooksett are connected.